THE CALIFORNIA Legislature took a wise step Friday toward requiring apartments, hotels and health clubs to install a relatively inexpensive safety device on electrical circuits that have wiring around swimming pools. That amendment was wrapped into SB 873, sponsored by Senator John Vasconcellos, with a strong push from several Bay Area lawmakers.

The measure gained urgency after the recent electrocution of 13-year-old Yasmin Paleso'o -- and the injury of five other youngsters -- at a Daly City apartment pool that had been built in 1960. Inspectors blamed the accident on faulty wiring. The Daly City accident might have been avoided had the circuit been equipped with the type of ground-fault-interrupter device that has been required for electrical systems around swimming pools since the 1970s. The bill would apply the stricter code to older public swimming pools in unincorporated areas, a move that is expected to be duplicated by cities throughout the state.

Governor Wilson should sign this life- saving measure. An important footnote: It does not apply to residential pools. But owners of older pools should take it upon themselves to make sure they have this safeguard in place.